WASHINGTON — Whither the youth vote? A year after backing Barack Obama by an overwhelming 2-to-1 ratio, young adults are quickly cooling toward Democrats amid dissatisfaction over the lack of change in Washington and an escalating war in Afghanistan.
A study by the Pew Research Center, being released today, highlights the eroding support from 18- to 29-year-olds whose strong turnout in November 2008 was touted by some demographers as the start of a new Democratic movement.
The findings are significant because they offer further proof that the diverse coalition of voters Obama cobbled together in 2008 — including high numbers of first-timers, minorities and youths — are not Democratic Party voters who can necessarily be counted on.
While young adults remain decidedly more liberal, the survey found the Democratic advantage among 18- to 29-year- olds has substantially narrowed — from a record 62 percent identifying as Democrat vs. 30 percent for the GOP in 2008, down to 54 percent vs. 40 percent last December. It was the largest percentage-point jump in those who identified or leaned Republican among all the voting age groups.
Young adults’ voting enthusiasm also crumbled, with turnout dropping dramatically. Young adults were also the least likely of any age group to identify themselves as regular voters.
“This is a generation of young adults who made a big splash politically in 2008,” said Paul Taylor, executive vice president of the Pew Research Center and co-author of the report.
“But a year and a half later, they show signs of disillusionment with the president — and, perhaps, with politics itself,” Taylor said.
Analysts say the findings reflect the fast pace at which young voters live their lives.
“If you don’t respond to their needs, hopes or dreams quickly, they’re gone,” said Matthew Dowd, an independent political analyst.
